Administration

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:51:08 +0000

Chancellor calls for big ideas in 2026 State of the Campus Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:51

Chancellor Justin Schwartz delivered his annual State of the Campus address on Feb. 10, highlighting the university’s 150th anniversary and encouraging students, faculty and staff to submit ideas for transforming the future of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s societal impact.

Before a crowd of over 500 in the Glenn Miller Ballroom and 1,120 viewers online, Schwartz encouraged the campus to rely on the power of new ideas to endure and prevail during this uncertain time in higher education.

Read the full speech

Submit your big idea

“I firmly believe that today is our chance not to pause, but to evolve from within—to evaluate our strengths, define our future and leap ahead of our peers,” he said.

Schwartz issued a call to action for everyone across campus to share groundbreaking ideas that the university should pursue in the coming years—the “audacious ideas that need urgent attention.”

“Some of the greatest ideas in human history have come from asking unbounded questions. Let’s be the place where such questions are not merely rhetorical,” Schwartz said.

He also highlighted the successes of the past year and goals for the future in the university's four areas of priority: fostering the success of all students, faculty and staff; scaling research and creative work excellence; achieving global leadership in sustainability impact; and aligning our infrastructure and resources to our mission.

Schwartz announced plans for offering a Residential Learning Community experience to all first-year undergraduates at no extra charge as soon as fall 2027.

In addition, he spotlighted the launch of four new CU �鶹ӰԺ Community Belonging Awards. The awards were initiated by CU Student Government and will recognize exceptional individuals who are fostering belonging on campus.

Over lunch, attendees were invited to submit their next big ideas online.

A team of faculty, staff and leaders has been assembled to work alongside the chancellor and senior leadership to guide the “Next Big Ideas” effort. Two members of the team, professors Waleed Abdalati and Stefanie Johnson, spoke to the audience about the initiative.

“We didn’t design this process in a vacuum. We looked at what works in organizations that are exceptionally good at breakthrough innovation,” Abdalati said. “Start with big problems, not small projects. Protect imagination before evaluating feasibility. Mix disciplines and perspectives. So today, we’re starting exactly there—with imagination.”

Over the coming months, the team will continue to solicit ideas across campus.

“Where you sit in the organization does not define whether you will come up with a great idea,” Schwartz said.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz delivered his annual State of the Campus address on Feb. 10, highlighting the university's 150th anniversary and issuing a call to action for transformative ideas to guide the university's future.

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�鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly informed on budget discussions, more

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:28:16 +0000

�鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly informed on budget discussions, more Megan M Rogers Mon, 02/09/2026 - 12:28

Members of the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly (BFA) were updated on the university’s integrated marketing and communications plan (IMCP) and the current budget allocation model discussions during the first meeting of the semester on Feb. 5.

Budget allocation model updates

In October 2025, CU �鶹ӰԺ launched a yearlong design review of its budget allocation model, as part of the university’s Financial Stewardship Initiative. This review is meant to ensure the model, which was adopted in 2022, continues to reflect CU �鶹ӰԺ’s values of transparency, accountability and collaboration, while advancing the campus strategic priority of aligning resources to its mission.

The budget model review discussions are being led in part by Andy Cowell, BFA faculty shared governance advisor, budget and planning committee chair and professor of linguistics; and Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, interim vice chancellor and executive vice provost for academic resource management and professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering. One piece of feedback that has come up repeatedly, they said in their presentation to BFA, is that the current budget model incentivizes teaching—not research. Relatedly, there is concern about the impact on the model of shrinking graduate programs in some units.

While neither Cowell nor Rosario-Ortiz disagreed with those points, Rosario-Ortiz said the university is a comprehensive institution, which means we must factor in both research and teaching when it comes to the university’s mission. Rosario-Ortiz also commented that the model is focused on campus-level allocations to schools and colleges, not on the school, college or departmental level, which is where decisions about allocating funds to teaching or research are made.

“Obviously, we’re listening and we’ll have notes that we can take back for further discussion,” said Cowell. “This (conversation) was not meant to resolve anything today. It’s an ongoing discussion that will go on for at least several more weeks.”

Rosario-Ortiz reiterated, adding, “We’re trying to take all (feedback) into consideration, but there needs to be coordination between what we (the administration) need to do for the budget model allocation and what units need to do operationally to meet their mission of research and teaching.”

The discussions are still underway, and recommendations will be available later this spring.

Integrated marketing and communications

Jon Leslie, vice chancellor for strategic communications, introduced the BFA to the integrated marketing and communications plan (IMCP), a comprehensive campus strategy that unifies advertising, public relations, digital marketing and constituent engagement to deliver consistent, meaningful brand experiences.

“Our goal is to take what the leadership says our mission, vision, priorities, value and outcomes are and translate that into what stories we tell, for what purposes, and how those purposes are achieved efficiently or not,” said Leslie.

The IMCP began its implementation in July 2024 and has already shown positive results, including higher rankings in an annual statewide poll of how Coloradans perceive the university. Some of the projects undertaken so far using IMCP strategies include the re-envisioning of the Conference on World Affairs, the launch of the “Beyond” LinkedIn research newsletter and the launch of the shared campus values project.

Next steps for the IMCP include bringing CU �鶹ӰԺ’s story to life, Leslie shared. That includes communicating “What makes us �鶹ӰԺ” and a comprehensive communications campaign for the university’s 150th anniversary.

In other BFA action

The BFA voted to suspend their bylaws so they could quickly approve a Statement on ICE Activity in Minnesota, which they felt was necessary given the urgency of the moment.
There was a reminder about upcoming BFA elections, including an election of at-large representatives that opens for nominations in two weeks and the election of the BFA chair-elect at the end of the semester.
During last December’s meeting, the BFA voted to approve a change to the bylaws that allows them to meet four times each semester, regardless of academic calendar. That change goes into effect this spring, with two meetings scheduled for April.

Learn more about the BFA and previous actions on the BFA website.

Members of the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly were updated on the university's integrated marketing and communications plan and the current budget allocation model discussions during the first meeting of the semester on Feb. 5.

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Regents consider 2026–27 budget proposals and more

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:06:15 +0000

Regents consider 2026–27 budget proposals and more Megan M Rogers Thu, 02/05/2026 - 12:06

Updated 2/6/2026

The University of Colorado Board of Regents received an overview of the preliminary 2026–27 budget, including tuition and compensation proposals, during its Feb. 5–6 meeting. Chancellor Justin Schwartz shared campus updates, including the announcement of new investments in faculty and staff well-being. The board also approved infrastructure projects and recognized CU �鶹ӰԺ faculty members.

CU �鶹ӰԺ budget proposals

Chad Marturano, chief financial officer for the CU system, presented budget proposals for all four campuses. For CU �鶹ӰԺ, the following key elements were discussed.

Tuition

Regents were presented with tuition scenarios ranging from 2.6% to 4.5% increases, with final approval expected for April.

Compensation and student wages

Budget planning includes a 3.1% merit pool for faculty and university staff and a 3.1% increase for classified staff, pending state approval.
- The campus proposed setting aside an additional pool for compression, retention and adjustment of 0.5%.
Student employee minimum wage is proposed to increase to $18.17 per hour.
Final approval for compensation changes is expected for April.

Enrollment

CU �鶹ӰԺ is projecting an incoming first-year class of 7,400, nearly unchanged from this year’s first-year class of 7,397.
Overall enrollment is projected to increase by about 1.3%, largely driven by ongoing strong retention of continuing students.

The board is expected to vote on the budget proposals during its April meeting. The 2026–27 fiscal year begins on July 1, 2026.

Chancellor remarks and campus updates

During remarks to the board, Schwartz highlighted new investments in employee health and well-being, including expanded mental health, financial wellness and community-building resources to support faculty and staff success and belonging. Campus leaders are committing $2.2 million in one-time funding and about $2.5 million in annual recurring funding to grow services and strengthen what Schwartz described as a campuswide “culture of care and well-being.”

He also noted progress on recommendations from the Faculty Salary Task Force aimed at improving faculty salary competitiveness and addressing salary compression, with additional updates expected later this year.

Infrastructure projects approved for CU �鶹ӰԺ

The board approved infrastructure projects previously advanced by the Regents Finance Committee, highlighted by plans to construct the National Quantum Nanofabrication Facility, a new research cleanroom at the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Laboratory on East Campus, that will expand CU �鶹ӰԺ’s quantum research and workforce training capacity.

Additional projects approved include:

Renovation of Farrand Hall on Main Campus, modernizing the historic residence hall while maintaining existing student housing capacity
Renovation of the Housing System Services Center on East Campus to support expanded campus program and operational needs

More information about these projects is available in a previous CU �鶹ӰԺ Today article.

CU �鶹ӰԺ distinguished professors recognized

2026 CU �鶹ӰԺ distinguished professors with Chancellor Justin Schwartz

The board recognized the following faculty members from CU �鶹ӰԺ as distinguished professors:

Kristen Carpenter, JD, American Indian Law, Colorado Law
Russell Cropanzano, PhD, Organizational Behavior
Marcia Douglas, PhD, English and Creative Writing
Noah Finkelstein, PhD, Physics and Physics Education Research
Karl Linden, PhD, Environmental Engineering
Jade Morton, PhD, Astrodynamics

More about the honorees is available in a CU Connections spotlight.

Other business

During public comment session, members of the campus community spoke in support of unionization of university employees.

Additional speakers raised concerns about CU �鶹ӰԺ’s contract with Key Lime Air, citing the airline’s reported contracts with ICE to transport detainees and voicing opposition to the partnership. All contracts for the university, including air charters, are awarded through a competitive bidding process that includes guidelines intended to create fair and consistent contracting processes across all companies with which the university does business. The airline was selected through the university’s standard competitive process, which occurred in September 2023. The company’s contract is in effect with the university through 2028, renewed annually.

The board also voted and approved changes to the Regent Policy on Fiscal Misconduct. Additionally, the board honored and gave tribute to Former Regent Henry "Hank" Anton Jr.

The next regular board meeting will be held April 16–17 at CU Denver.

The University of Colorado Board of Regents received an overview of the preliminary 2026–27 budget, including tuition and compensation proposals, during its Feb. 5–6 meeting.

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Finance committee advances support for housing, student services, quantum research

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:20:04 +0000

Finance committee advances support for housing, student services, quantum research Megan M Rogers Fri, 01/30/2026 - 10:20

The University of Colorado Board of Regents Finance Committee on Thursday, Jan. 29, advanced multiple campus projects at CU �鶹ӰԺ, including a renovation of Farrand Hall, updates to the Housing System Services Center and construction of the National Quantum Nanofabrication Facility. The proposals will move to the full Board of Regents for consideration at its Feb. 5–6 meeting.

Renovation of Farrand Hall

One of the projects includes a comprehensive renovation of Farrand Hall, a residence hall located at 2200 Baker Drive on CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Main Campus. Built in 1948, Farrand was the first residence hall constructed on campus following World War II. The renovation will include significant updates such as the addition of air conditioning and modernized student spaces, while also addressing long-standing maintenance needs to extend the life of the historic building.

The renovation will maintain Farrand’s existing student housing capacity while modernizing the facility. Once complete, the building will include two centrally scheduled classrooms, a grab-and-go market and study space—supporting both building residents and the broader student population.

The project supports CU �鶹ӰԺ’s Energy Master Plan and Decarbonization Plan by improving energy efficiency, even with the addition of air conditioning. The renovation is also aimed at achieving LEED Gold certification for the building.

Renovation of the Housing System Services Center

The committee also advanced plans to renovate the Housing System Services Center at 3381 Marine St. on CU �鶹ӰԺ’s East Campus. Built in 1967, the building is currently used primarily for storage. The renovation will repurpose the facility into active space supporting multiple campus programs and departments, including the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the Department of Theatre and Dance, the CU Police Department and Student Life. The project will update the building to better support its expanded campus use.

Construction of the National Quantum Nanofabrication Facility

In addition, the committee advanced plans to construct the National Quantum Nanofabrication Facility, a new research cleanroom to be built on the east side of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Laboratory (SEEL) at 4001 Discovery Drive on CU �鶹ӰԺ’s East Campus. The facility will support quantum device fabrication, research and workforce training and expand the Colorado Shared Instrumentation in Nanofabrication and Characterization (COSINC).

CU �鶹ӰԺ is a supporting member of Elevate Quantum, a consortium of organizations across Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico focused on developing a regional quantum economy by 2030.

If approved by the full board, construction across the projects could begin as early as 2026, with planned occupancy dates extending through 2027 and 2028.

The CU Board of Regents Finance Committee advanced multiple campus projects, including a renovation of Farrand Hall, updates to the Housing System Services Center and construction of the National Quantum Nanofabrication Facility.

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Provost announces new reporting structure for College of Arts and Sciences deans

Elizabeth Lock — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 11:32:53 +0000

Provost announces new reporting structure for College of Arts and Sciences deans Elizabeth Lock Fri, 01/30/2026 - 04:32

Provost Ann Stevens announced today that the College of Arts and Sciences will adopt a permanent structure as a unified college, implementing a collaborative leadership model in which the deans of divisions will report to the dean of the college rather than directly to the provost.

“After extensive discussions with the dean of the college, deans of divisions, faculty shared governance leaders, staff and colleagues across campus, I’ve concluded that the college needs to operate as a unified entity,” Stevens said. “To underscore that the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences play a central and vital role in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s mission as a comprehensive university that educates the next generation of informed citizens and leaders, we need a structure that brings our strengths together with purpose.”

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Stevens

During the past decade, CU �鶹ӰԺ has worked to reshape the leadership structure of the College of Arts and Sciences to better support its academic breadth, establishing three dean of division roles representing the arts and humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences. In June 2024, former Provost Russell Moore appointed Daryl Maeda as interim dean of the college to provide time to clarify how the authority of the deans of divisions should align with the dean of the college and how all four roles could work together more effectively.

During this interim period, the dean of the college and the deans of divisions have each reported directly to the provost. Their collective efforts have advanced the college in meaningful ways, including improving budget analysis and allocation, implementing the common curriculum, strengthening divisional research and creative work, and developing a deeper understanding of enrollment patterns and student needs.

Despite this progress, the absence of a unified leadership structure has limited the college’s ability to coordinate strategy and fully leverage the strengths of its divisions. Stevens emphasized that a single, collaborative college leader is needed to preserve strong divisional identities while providing cohesion and shared direction essential for long-term success.

“That means three well-resourced divisions, each led by deans committed to divisional excellence and cross-divisional collaboration, supported by one dean who can champion a shared vision and ensure the college fulfills its essential role in developing the whole student,” Stevens said.

She added that a unified College of Arts and Sciences will strengthen collaboration across campus. “A unified college will be a stronger collaborator and partner on student success with undergraduate education, enrollment management and student life,” Stevens said. “This unified structure also ensures students and faculty benefit from a cohesive, strategic framework for teaching, research, scholarship and creative work.”

With the new reporting structure in place, Stevens plans to use the coming months to further clarify the roles and authority of the college dean and divisional deans, and to strengthen how they all work together.

In fall 2026, the Office of the Provost will launch a nationwide search for a permanent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Both internal and external candidates will be encouraged to apply, with the goal of appointing a dean who will be ready to begin in fall 2027.

To ensure continuity during this transition, Stevens said, “I have asked Daryl Maeda to serve as the dean of the college through academic year 2026–27 to provide continuity until a permanent dean is in place, and for the deans of divisions to continue in their current roles as well, but with a change in their reporting relationship to the college dean.”

Provost Ann Stevens is implementing a collaborative leadership model aimed at supporting the College of Arts and Sciences as a "unified entity."

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Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:09:28 +0000

Chancellor advocates for building funding before state Capital Development Committee Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/22/2025 - 06:09

CU �鶹ӰԺ leadership, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz, far left, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business Todd Haggerty, far right, join CU system and UCCS leadership for a group photo after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

On Dec. 17, CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the CU campuses presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly’s Capital Development Committee. The annual hearing continues a longstanding tradition of advocating for investments in the university’s historic buildings and infrastructure that have shaped both the campus and the state for generations.

During the presentation, Schwartz emphasized that CU �鶹ӰԺ’s capital priorities are intended to benefit not only the university community but Colorado as a whole. “These projects will not only have a significant impact on CU �鶹ӰԺ faculty, staff and students but also in many ways on the broader Colorado economy,” he said, underscoring the university’s role as an economic and cultural driver for the state.

The annual presentation allows University of Colorado campuses and state agencies to outline requests for maintenance and construction funding, enabling the committee to make recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee. The state budget bill released in the spring ultimately determines which projects receive funding.

Capital requests: Preserving history, advancing opportunity

Macky Auditorium renovation

Macky Auditorium, a cornerstone of the Norlin Quadrangle Historic District, has weathered 103 years of use. The university proposes a three-phase renovation, providing 60% of the funding ($50.6 million in cash) and requesting just over $33.8 million from the state. Of the $84.4 million total project cost, $28.4 million addresses deferred maintenance.

Macky’s classrooms serve departments such as Cinema Studies, Theatre and Dance, and Germanic and Slavic Languages, supporting hundreds of students and faculty. The renovation will upgrade building systems, stabilize the structure, address drainage and moisture issues, restore historic elements and improve energy efficiency. Notably, state support for Macky Auditorium is linked to �鶹ӰԺ’s selection as the new home of the Sundance Film Festival, amplifying its cultural significance.

CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz, center, talks with Chad Marturano, CU system vice president and chief financial officer, after presenting to the Capital Development Committee at the capitol in Denver. Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado.

Guggenheim Geography building renovation

The Guggenheim Geography building, untouched by significant remodels since 1908, is slated for a comprehensive $53 million renovation over two phases, with the university providing 60% of funding and requesting $21.2 million from the state. The project will address health, life-safety and code improvements, including asbestos mitigation, fire safety upgrades, HVAC and electrical systems, and restoration of historic elements.

Guggenheim supports 114 faculty, staff and graduate students, delivering thousands of credit-hours, serving a broad swath of the student body. The renovation will create more energy-efficient, usable space, supporting up to 20 academic programs and helping students graduate on time.

Commitment to deferred maintenance and sustainability

CU �鶹ӰԺ faces a $1.64 billion deferred maintenance backlog. The university’s strategy integrates emerging needs into repairs, increases space utilization rates, improves efficiency and life-cycle costs, leverages sustainability improvements, and mitigates potential problems before they arise.

Meanwhile, the university remains committed to incorporating sustainable features into its operations and buildings. Recent sustainability milestones include the launch of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, elimination of single-use beverage plastics and groundbreaking on 5MW of solar power.

Accountability through results

Schwartz closed the presentation by thanking the committee and legislative partners for their support of the recently completed renovation of the Hellems Arts and Sciences building, which reopened this month after more than two years of work supported by university resources and state funding. He noted that the project preserved the building’s historic character while improving accessibility, energy efficiency and modern learning spaces, and highlighted its role in bringing students back to classrooms this spring.

CU �鶹ӰԺ Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other representatives from the four CU campuses recently presented capital requests for the 2026–27 fiscal year to the Colorado General Assembly's Capital Development Committee.

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Chancellor's Faculty Salary Task Force submits report

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:14:27 +0000

Chancellor's Faculty Salary Task Force submits report Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 13:14

Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing and Professor Emerita Shelly Miller, �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly immediate past chair, have submitted the report of the 25-member Chancellor’s Faculty Salary Task Force to Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

“We want to thank the members of the committee, who undertook a highly substantive and analytical look at salary competitiveness for tenure-track and teaching/clinical faculty at CU �鶹ӰԺ,” said Schmiesing.

Schwartz convened the task force in April 2025 in partnership with the BFA, whose fall 2024 survey showed compensation as the top priority for faculty. The task force was charged with making recommendations for compensation options and strategies, with an emphasis on improving the market competitiveness of faculty salaries.

The task force aligned its recommendations with CU �鶹ӰԺ’s compensation philosophy and the provisions of the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The report provides guidance for making near-term salary investments, identifies options for enhancing faculty-specific compensation expertise and outlines steps to ensure data-informed decision-making with respect to faculty salaries. It also recommends ways to maintain tenure- and promotion-raise competitiveness, increase retention-raise transparency and address factors such as teaching loads that are interrelated with salary issues.

“Our tenure-track, teaching and clinical faculty can have confidence that this effort was transparent, data-informed and multi-faceted,” said Miller. “We invite all faculty to review the report and to continue to give the BFA, provost and chancellor feedback on faculty salary issues.”

“I want to thank Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives Ann Schmiesing, BFA Immediate Past Chair and Professor Emerita Shelly Miller, and the committee for their focus and cohesion in one of the most comprehensive efforts we’ve ever undertaken on faculty salaries,” said Schwartz. “I look forward to working with the BFA, Provost Stevens, and the schools and colleges to evaluate the committee’s recommendations and prioritize them for implementation.”

“These steps will mean that we will be setting a clearer and permanent new direction and methodology on salary setting and awarding—one that will serve our faculty for years to come,” said Schwartz.

Charged with making recommendations for compensation options and strategies, with an emphasis on improving the market competitiveness of faculty salaries, the faculty salary task force has completed its work.

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Faculty assembly updated on common curriculum, Buckley Center, more

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:45:05 +0000

Faculty assembly updated on common curriculum, Buckley Center, more Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 09:45

Ongoing efforts surrounding the university’s curriculum, including implementation of the common curriculum and the university's new initiative integrating sustainability into the curriculum, were front and center during the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly (BFA)’s final meeting of the semester on Dec. 4.

Common curriculum and residential learning communities

When it comes to implementing the common curriculum and the inception of residential learning communities (RLCs), everything is currently in progress and on track, according to the update provided by Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Assessment Katherine Eggert and Interim Dean and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education Erika Randall.

Back in 2023, then-Provost Russell Moore tasked Eggert, along with then-Dean of Undergraduate Education Daryl Maeda and the BFA, to implement the newly approved common curriculum proposal based around the idea of “sustainable futures,” which comprise the self, society and world.

The theme of “sustainable futures” all came about, according to Eggert, “with the idea that students coming from our university should be prepared to help all of these things keep going into the future.”

Along with the work of implementing the common curriculum came the 2025 charge from Provost Ann Stevens to create a new living, learning model that will evolve the current Residential Academic Programs (RAPs) and Living Learning Communities (LLCs) into RLCs available to all new undergraduate students at no additional cost. Stevens also charged the new RLCs with supporting the implementation of the common curriculum.

A BFA working group on the common curriculum, chaired by BFA chair-elect David Paradise (history), began work this semester by looking at the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, which support many of the core undergraduate requirements of the other colleges and schools.

In the spring, the group will examine the unique core requirements of other colleges and schools. This cross-campus analysis will help the group determine where the specific “learning outcomes” of the common curriculum, or what undergraduates will gain from their CU �鶹ӰԺ education, will be located—whether they’ll be in the requirements from colleges and schools or the student’s major, or in an academic course associated with a RLC.

The aim is to have this new curriculum model and RLC cohort in place for the entering students of fall 2027.

Faculty interested in getting involved in the process should talk to their assistant or associate dean for undergraduate education about RLCs, Eggert said, as well as plan to get involved in forthcoming discussions about RLCs and the common curriculum within their colleges, schools, departments and programs. Eggert and Randall promised further updates to BFA in the spring semester.

Update from the Buckley Center

Earlier this year, Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the formation of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, with the former chair of the Environmental Studies department, Max Boykoff, as the center’s first faculty director.

Created with a venture-style investment model through a $10 million gift from CU �鶹ӰԺ alumnus Spike Buckley, the center is meant to transform the way sustainability is taught at CU �鶹ӰԺ—empowering students and faculty to create a more environmentally sustainable future in the face of a changing climate.

Since being formed, the Buckley Center has hit the ground running, Boykoff told the BFA, working on many of their first-year goals, which include:

Hiring faculty associate directors and staff
Selecting faculty ambassadors, selected by deans to begin in January
The formation of the Buckley faculty fellows and SPIKE student scholars programs
Exploring CU �鶹ӰԺ curriculum assessment, support and expansion opportunities
The discussion of collaborations and partnerships with units, centers, institutes and/or programs

“This is a real opportunity for all of us (faculty), and I want to emphasize that we see this as ‘us,’ and we welcome all of your input and engagement,” Boykoff said.

During the meeting, Phaedra Pezzullo (communication) was introduced as one of those faculty directors. She announced that the center is currently soliciting applications for this spring’s faculty fellows. This position, which in future years will span a full academic year but this spring only a semester, brings together faculty experts to discuss sustainability education on campus. This spring’s theme is “climate and environmental justice.”

Anyone interested in applying to this competitive fellowship, which also gives a $5,000 stipend to those selected for spring 2026, may refer to the Buckley Center website for more information. Applications are due this Friday, Dec. 12.

“We’re all having these isolated conversations around sustainability, and this gives us an opportunity to support people to bring those networks together in a regular conversation, in a monthly way,” said Pezzullo.

In other BFA action

BFA heard an update from Academic Technologies Committee Chair Janet Casagrand (integrative physiology) about the Grades for Student Success initiative. One of this group’s strongest recommendations is for faculty to make sure they are posting grades on Canvas throughout the semester so that students know when to seek help and can make informed decisions ahead of course drop deadlines.

The BFA voted to approve two resolutions and one motion introduced during last month’s meeting:

A resolution to “reject loyalty oaths,” which urges CU leadership to reject any proposals compromising the mission, values and independence of the university
A resolution “against surveillance in the name of security,” which urges the chancellor to give full consideration to the recommendations of the BFA Working Group on IT Security Standards, whose report was presented during the November BFA meeting
An amendment to the bylaws and standing rules so that meetings may be held more than once a month, depending on the academic year schedule

Learn more about the BFA and previous actions on the BFA website.

Ongoing efforts surrounding the university's curriculum were front and center during the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly's final meeting of the semester on Dec. 4.

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CU �鶹ӰԺ announces new vision to advance global engagement, impact

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:30:49 +0000

CU �鶹ӰԺ announces new vision to advance global engagement, impact Megan M Rogers Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:30

Chancellor Justin Schwartz today announced a new vision to elevate CU �鶹ӰԺ’s global presence by bringing together the university’s international offices under one umbrella, appointing a vice chancellor for global affairs and launching an international enrollment plan.

“The global initiative I introduced in my State of the Campus address in April generated a range of recommendations for how CU �鶹ӰԺ can lead in sending our students into the world; support and value our international students, faculty and staff; and better coordinate the outstanding global work already happening across campus,” Schwartz said. “One of the key recommendations is to appoint a senior leader to elevate and align our global vision and activities.”

The vice chancellor for global affairs will lead the Office of Global Affairs, which will unify International Student and Scholar Services, Education Abroad, the International English Center and the Global Engagement Office under one umbrella. In this role, the vice chancellor for global affairs will collaborate with campus units and university constituents to develop and implement a comprehensive global vision, foster a culture of global engagement across the university, represent CU �鶹ӰԺ to international partners and elevate the university’s standing as a globally connected institution. The position will report to the senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives.

The recommendation to hire a vice chancellor for global affairs emerged from an external evaluation of CU �鶹ӰԺ’s current global activities and structures that drew on dozens of interviews in summer 2025 with CU �鶹ӰԺ deans, administrative office directors, shared governance leaders and other university constituents.

The need for a senior-level global affairs leader was also expressed by many department chairs and institute and center directors in meetings conducted during the course of the evaluation. Establishing a unified Office of Global Affairs under a vice chancellor will position CU �鶹ӰԺ to strategically align its global engagement with research and creative work; sustainability; and student, faculty and staff success priorities.

Schwartz noted the search for a vice chancellor for global affairs reflects recommendations from past CU �鶹ӰԺ internationalization reports and aligns with peer institutions, most of which have senior leaders overseeing global affairs. Seth Marder, director of the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI) and professor of chemical and biological engineering, will chair the search advisory committee.

“I’m honored to serve as chair of this committee,” said Marder. “The vice chancellor for global affairs will be a visionary leader who unifies, coordinates and elevates the outstanding international work already happening across our campus. This position, along with the Office of Global Affairs, will play a critical role in showcasing the world-class research and creative work of our faculty to the international community.”

CU �鶹ӰԺ ranks 5th nationally for semester-long study abroad

CU �鶹ӰԺ ranks fifth among leading doctorate-granting institutions in the United States providing semester-long study abroad opportunities to students, according to the 2025 Open Doors Report issued Nov. 17 by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

1,372 CU �鶹ӰԺ students participated in semester-long study abroad programs in 2023–24.
In addition, CU �鶹ӰԺ ranks 13th in the nation for institutions awarding credit for study abroad, with 2,566 CU �鶹ӰԺ students receiving academic credit through study abroad programs in 2023–24 (the most recent year for which study abroad data are available).
CU �鶹ӰԺ continues to lead in Colorado on study abroad and international student enrollment, with 3,648 new and continuing international students enrolled in 2024–25, including optional practical training (OPT) participants; OPT provides eligible F-1 visa holders with temporary employment related to their field of study.
Across the state of Colorado, 10,547 international students sought academic opportunities at higher education institutions in 2024–25, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $410 million to the Centennial State.

Schwartz also announced today the launch of an international student enrollment strategic plan, to be led by Amy Hutton, vice chancellor for enrollment management. The plan will provide a blueprint for Enrollment Management, the new global affairs office and academic units across the university to ensure CU �鶹ӰԺ is an attractive and supportive destination for international undergraduate and graduate students.

“International students enrich every facet of our campus life, as their perspectives broaden our global outlook, strengthen critical thinking and deepen our appreciation for intercultural engagement,” Hutton said. “This strategic plan will help to ensure CU �鶹ӰԺ not only attracts exceptional talent from around the world but also provides the comprehensive resources and support they need to excel academically, culturally and professionally, while contributing in a meaningful way to our community.”

In the 2025 Open Doors Report released on Nov. 17 and coinciding with this year’s International Education Week, Nov. 17–21, CU �鶹ӰԺ ranked fifth among peer institutions in the number of students sent abroad on semester-length programs during the 2023–24 academic year and 13th nationally among institutions awarding credit for study abroad.

The report also showed that CU �鶹ӰԺ ranked first in Colorado for the number of international students it hosts with total enrollment at 3,648 in 2024–25, including new and continuing students and individuals participating in optional practical training. The Open Doors Report, released annually by the Institute of International Education, includes statistics on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit and international student enrollment at universities and colleges across the United States.

“Our standing in international rankings underscores the university’s commitment to global engagement, both in sending students across the globe and in attracting them to join us here on campus,” Schwartz said. “This achievement reflects the extraordinary work of the many units dedicated to international education, whose efforts enrich our academic community and expand our global reach.

Creating an Office of Global Affairs will unite these initiatives under a single, strategic entity, so we can strengthen collaboration and advance a shared vision to prepare our students to thrive and create impact in an interconnected world.”

Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced a new vision to unify international programs and advance its global engagement and impact.

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Provost Ann Stevens meets with faculty assembly for 1st time

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:45:52 +0000

Provost Ann Stevens meets with faculty assembly for 1st time Megan M Rogers Mon, 11/10/2025 - 07:45

Cybersecurity threats and academic freedom were top of mind during Provost Ann Stevens’ first address to the �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly (BFA) on Nov. 6.

“I want to thank all of you for what you do all the time as faculty members but also for your participation in this group,” Stevens began, adding, “Shared governance and participation (at CU �鶹ӰԺ) is very healthy and that’s really good to see, and I think the relationships are strong, and I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Stevens

Stevens also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment, as well as her own, to academic freedom, despite various, continued threats.

“You are here because we believe in your expertise in your area of scholarship, creativity, research, as well as teaching, and we want you to be able to continue to pursue that,” said Stevens. “We do not want any perceived threat or chilling effect to make you change that, shy away from that expertise, and we want to provide resources if you are feeling threatened in some way.”

One such resource that was highlighted was the Scholarship and Safety webpage, which outlines, step-by-step, how to deal with any targeted harassment faculty, staff or students might receive while doing their academic work.

In addition to briefly touching on conversations around faculty compensation, which were discussed more in depth during the October BFA meeting, Stevens highlighted ongoing concerns about academic freedom when it comes to cybersecurity.

While not diminishing these concerns, she added, “If we neglect our cybersecurity needs, that can, with one breach, shut down your ability to do that work; so that is the very challenging balance we have to keep.”

“We all support academic freedom—my office, the campus and also OIT. We are all in support of that, and we remain fully committed.”

Update from the IT Security Working Group

The IT Security Working Group was formed at the end of the spring 2025 semester in response to concerns among faculty about new cybersecurity policies the university was rolling out—in particular, concerns about privacy and academic freedom.

The group worked all summer to draft a preliminary report, which was introduced to Stevens on Aug. 1. A final version was then pulled together and given to BFA leadership.

Co-chairs Jed Brown (computer science) and Markus Pflaum (mathematics) and committee member Valerie Otero (education) presented the findings of their report (available on the BFA website), including their concerns, as well as offering a few possible solutions that they’d like the university to consider. These potential solutions include establishing a data use and disclosure policy and a rebuild of the technical capacity for in-house solutions.

“I hope everyone takes a look at the report,” said Otero.

Vice Chancellor for IT Marin Stanek also attended the meeting. She highlighted what the university is doing to protect scholarship, including how the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is working with researchers to implement security updates within the particular parameters of researcher needs, while also specifying OIT knows that “one size for security standards does not fit all.”

Stanek acknowledged concerns that faculty were not part of the process for developing these new security measures and has been trying to include faculty input going forward.

“We are listening. I am listening. I think about this every day, and it matters, and I hear what you’re saying,” Stanek stressed. “I believe all of you are experts, but we do have (IT security) gaps, and that’s where we need to close our gaps. I welcome the conversation to figure that out.”

In other BFA action

BFA Chair Alastair Norcross gave an update from the most recent CU Faculty Council meeting, which included substantial discussion regarding the mutual defense pact resolution approved by BFA in October.
The BFA introduced three notices of motions to discuss and vote on in December. These included an amendment to the BFA bylaws to change the frequency of the meetings in response to the new academic calendar; a resolution to reject loyalty oaths, which was drafted in response to the conversation about the mutual defense pact at CU Faculty Council; and a resolution against surveillance in the name of security, which was introduced in response to the final IT Security Working Group report.

Learn more about the BFA and previous actions on the BFA website.

The �鶹ӰԺ Faculty Assembly recently welcomed Provost Ann Stevens and discussed topics including cybersecurity threats and academic freedom.

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